The Birthplace of the Movement

Join us for the Season 1 finale of Southern Gumption for a very special conversation with members of the Warren County Environmental Action Team to discuss the history of the North Carolina PCB Protests of 1982, which popularized the term "environmental justice." Learn about the multiracial coalition that formed the seven-week long fight against illegal dumping of toxic waste, the ongoing efforts to continue the fight, and the power of telling your own story.

Featured in this episode are Reverend Bill Kearney, creator of the Warren County African American History Collective and WCEAT; Wayne Mosley, one of the original participants of the 1982 protests who has helped produce two documentaries on the protests; and Dollie Burwell, another participant of the protests who is known as the "Mother of the Environmental Justice Movement."

Southern Gumption is hosted by Andy Li (he/him/they/them), presented by Southern Coalition for Social Justice, and produced by Earfluence.

What is Southern Gumption?

At Southern Coalition for Social Justice, we believe the South is the most radical place in this country; it’s why so much has been done to oppress those who call it home. In this podcast, you’ll hear directly from the folks on the frontlines; community members who are living the reality of uniquely Southern struggles, as well as advocates, lawyers, lawmakers, and others who are fighting back, creating solutions, changing the narrative, and forcefully demanding equal rights for all.

Voting rights, justice system reform, and environmental justice aren't just buzzwords; they are the issues that affect real lives. We'll delve deep into these topics, exploring how they intersect, impact, and empower the stories of our Southern communities.